In the 1988 film Beetlejuice, shrewd chain-smoking caseworker Juno used to say, “Never trust a living person.”
In Vermont, an investigation is underway after street lamps and art sculptures were stolen from the set of “Beetlejuice 2,” filming in East Corinth, about 40 kilometers southeast of the state capital, Montpelier. Vermont State Police announced last week.
In the early hours of July 14, state police received a call that someone removed a lamp post with a “characteristic pumpkin decoration”, loaded it into the back of a pickup truck, covered it with a tarp, and fled the scene.
Three days later, film officials reported a second theft. A 150-pound abstract art statue was stolen from a nearby cemetery.
A comedy-horror classic directed by Tim Burton, the original film follows a dead couple who haunt their home after a stranger moves in. They enlist the help of the creepy and mischievous Beetlejuice, played by Michael Keaton, but things go horribly wrong when he proves to be out of control.
The stolen art appears to be similar to what appeared in the original film by struggling sculptor Delia Deetz (played by Catherine O’Hara). In the film, her creepy artwork comes to life to witness the wedding of Delia’s stepdaughter Beetlejuice and Lydia Deetz, played by Winona Ryder.
It’s unclear whether the theft will affect filming, or whether filmmakers will step up security measures on set. Warner Bros., the film studio behind the sequel, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday.
While theft is a concern, a strike by Hollywood writers is also affecting filming. Variety reported. Seven Days, Vermont’s Independent Alternative Weekly, Talked about the outdoor scenes in the sequel Most were filmed in-state, with indoor scenes filmed elsewhere. The newspaper also reported that filming began shortly after devastating floods swept through the state earlier this month.
Few details about the sequel are known, but Keaton, O’Hara and Ryder will all return, and Burton will once again direct. “Wednesday” star Jenna Ortega plays the daughter of Ryder’s character. according to variety.
The film will be released within the next year.
